Bristol F.2 Fighter

Bristol F.2 Fighter
Country	United Kingdom
Role	Biplane fighter aircraft
First flight	9 September 1916
Built	5329

The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War developed by Frank Barnwell at the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter, other popular names include the “Brisfit” or “Biff”. Although the type was intended initially as a replacement for the pre-war Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft, the newly-available Rolls-Royce Falcon V12 engine gave it the performance of a two-seat fighter.

Source: Bristol F.2 Fighter on Wikipedia

Bristol F2b Walk Around
Photographer	Klaus Walde
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	14

Bristol F2b 01

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Bristol F2b 09

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F.2B Brisfit Walk Around
Photographer	Michael Benolkin
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	44

F.2B Brisfit

Bristol F.2B Fighter Walk Around
Photographer	Jan Petr
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	43

General Characteristics and Role

The Bristol F.2B Fighter, often nicknamed the “Brisfit”, was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of World War I. While initially conceived as a reconnaissance aircraft, its robust design, powerful engine, and excellent maneuverability allowed pilots to fly it aggressively like a single-seat fighter. Unlike earlier two-seaters which were vulnerable to German fighters (the observer’s gun was usually insufficient for effective defense), the F.2B’s successful layout allowed the pilot to concentrate on flying while engaging the enemy with a fixed forward machine gun, leaving the rear gunner to cover the tail. This made it a highly effective and respected aircraft that remained in service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) long after the war ended.

Property	Typical Value (Bristol F.2B)
Role	Two-seat Fighter, Reconnaissance
National Origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Bristol Aeroplane Company
First Flight (Prototype F.2A)	9 September 1916
Crew	2 (Pilot and Observer/Gunner)
Armament (Pilot)	1 x .303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun (fixed, forward-firing)
Armament (Observer)	1 or 2 x .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis machine guns (flexible mounting)
Length	7.87 m (25 ft 10 in)
Wingspan	11.96 m (39 ft 3 in)
Height	2.97 m (9 ft 9 in)
Gross Weight (Max)	1,310 kg (2,890 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: 1 x Rolls-Royce Falcon III liquid-cooled V12 engine.
Power Output: 205 kW (275 hp).
Maximum Speed: 198 km/h (123 mph; 107 kn) at sea level.
Service Ceiling: 5,500 m (18,000 ft).
Endurance: 3 hours.
Key Feature: The powerful and reliable Falcon engine gave the F.2B a superior combination of speed and climb rate for a two-seater.

Service History and Legacy

Initial Setback: The first version, the F.2A, suffered heavy losses due to the pilots using it conservatively like traditional reconnaissance planes. Once pilots started using its speed and maneuverability offensively, the F.2B version became highly successful.
Total Production: Over 5,300 F.2B aircraft were built.
Post-War Service: The aircraft was used extensively in various roles (including light bombing, army cooperation, and training) by the RAF and air forces worldwide well into the 1930s.
Distinction: The F.2B helped prove the concept of the two-seat fighter as a highly effective combat aircraft, distinct from the slower reconnaissance types.